This study investigated maximal and submaximal performance (power output) and physiological responses (oxygen uptake, heart rate and blood lactate concentration) of eight male rowers to two different incremental tests to exhaustion performed either in a rowing ergometer without (regular) or with the slide, as well as to a 2000 m race simulation, conducted in a randomized order. Peak oxygen uptake (O2peak) was statistically higher (3.4%) in the regular test (5.18 ± 0.44 L.min-1) compared with the slide condition (5.01 ± 0.37 L.min-1; P = 0.005). Time for the on-water race simulation was significantly correlated with the slope of the O2-power relationship in the slide condition (r = -0.73, P = 0.043) and O2peak during the test in the slide condition was correlated to mean O2 at the on-water race simulation (r = 0.78; P = 0.024). Thus, the use of the slide is more beneficial than the regular test when evaluating rowers.
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